Less than 2 days to Japan. Not packed. Have no idea what to bring. I have a massive list of stuff to bring which I probably won’t use. Took Japanese twice in my academic career, but have minimal retention of any words or grammar except what I order in restaurants and phrases from the movie Tampopo. So pretty much par for the course in my travels.
Here is the planned itinerary in Japan. To me it looks a little ambitious but who knows, as long as I get to eat and go to the Ramen Museum.
November 21, 2007
Depart for Japan, 3 of us from Hawaii and 1 (me) from Los Angeles.
We leave on the morning of the 21st and after about 11 hours, through the magic of the international date line arrive in Japan on the evening of …
November 22, 2007
Arrive in Osaka in the evening. Instead of a direct flight, I will have to catch a flight from Tokyo and arrive about 3 hours later from the rest of my party. I will also be arriving at the smaller airport in Osaka and have to figure out a way to get to my hotel. Depending on my hunger pains, I will either take a couple of trains or a shuttle (wish me luck). Then somehow I have to contact the rest of my group ( I won’t have a phone but will have a GPS and Nintendo DS and a whole bunch of AA batteries to help me).
November 23, 2007
Provided I don’t get lost and sold to the yakuza, we set out for our first full day where we will catch a train to Kyoto, where we will see:
- The food booths of Nishiki Market
- Nijo Castle
- Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Kyoto University
- Ginkakuji Temple
- Nanzenji Temple
- Yasaka Shrine
- Gion District
- Pontocho entertainment area
Yes, this is all in one day, although I will be happy to just lounge in the food booth area for the day.
November 24, 2007
- Sannomiya area
- Nada Sake Breweries
- Koshien Stadium
- Dontonbori Street
- Shinshibashi and America Mura areas.
November 25, 2007
This is my birthday, I fully expect free food and tributes today.
- Osaka Castle
- Then we check out of hotel and catch the Shinkasen (Bullet Train!) to Tokyo
- RAMEN MUSEUM!!!!
- Check in to Tokyo Hotel
November 26, 2007
It is still my birthday on the other side of the date line so, I should still get the perks.
- Wake up early as hell and go to Tsukiji Market – Fish market and Sushi breakfast!
- Tokyo Mid-Town area
- Shibuya Area
- Harajuku
- Pilot Pen Station (wha?)
November 27, 2007
Today is pretty much a free form day as we need to check out and leave…
Alas, I leave 4 hours earlier than everyone else.
Get back to LA and jetlag. Then maybe some ramen…
You may want to check out:
LOL… so in other words…. you guys are flying to Japan to eat… 24/7? 0o Uhmmm… leave some food for the rest of Japan!
Happy Birthday Joe. Next drink is on me.